City charged with employment discrimination

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission has charged the city of Fort Wayne with employment discrimination.

According to a statement, the unnamed complainant was hired into the city’s facilities department in 2006 and in 2011 “bid” under union rules into his present position as grounds equipment operator. That position was eliminated two months later due to budget cuts, and when the job was restored a few months the city “placed an aggrieved American employee in the position as a result of a settlement stemming from a lawsuit.” The complainant contends that person was less qualified.

The state’s action means there is reasonable suspicion to believe that state civil-rights laws have been violated.

City spokesman John Perlich said “We respectfully disagree with the decision made by the commission and do not believe the city acted in a discriminatory manner.” Perlich also declined to identify the employee.